Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify that the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association. (HKNA) paid for the service. Unlimited access to PSTA’s routes, including SunRunner, is available as part of a paid membership with HKNA.
Paid members of St. Petersburg’s Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association are about to become Florida trailblazers as they receive passes for unlimited transit rides. Thanks to an exciting new agreement with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), they will have access to every bus route and the SunRunner.
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This groundbreaking deal means HKNA members can snag a Transit Pass, also known as a Universal Pass (UPASS), as part of their neighborhood association membership—completely free of charge. With a simple tap, they can hop on and off buses and the SunRunner to get to work, attend school, visit healthcare facilities, and navigate their community. Say goodbye to the hassles of parking, traffic, and gas expenses!
A major victory for HKNA members
“By eliminating the cost barrier associated with riding the bus and the SunRunner, we are ensuring that every resident has the ability to travel freely across Pinellas County,” said PSTACEO Brad Miller. “This will make it easier for people to commute to work, attend school, access healthcare services, and take part in community activities.”
History makes this partnership a perfect fit, according to a PSTA press release: Kenwood was one of Tampa Bay’s first “streetcar suburbs.” Z trolley line connected the neighborhood to Downtown St. Pete at a time before most people owned cars. That transit connection 100 years ago allowed St. Petersburg to flourish, and this new approach to transit will help write the next chapter of St. Pete’s story.
Creating a model for other neighborhood associations to use
Through the partnership, the neighborhood association will pay for UPASSes at a discounted rate and make them available to every resident who has paid their membership fees. Procedures are in place to deactivate passes when a card is lost or a resident moves out of the neighborhood. For this pilot program, PSTA has created a template that can be repeated in other neighborhoods in the future.
“The Historic Kenwood Neighborhood is one-of-a-kind. But there’s no reason this partnership should be one-of-a-kind. What we’re announcing today can become a model for other neighborhoods in our community and across the United States,” said St. Petersburg City Council Member Richie Floyd.
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